Leeds survivor turns up the heat to beat cancer

a LEEDS cancer survivor is stepping up to the grill to help raise money for Cancer Research UK.

Andrew Shippey, 36, is taking part in the charity’s summer fundraising barbecue campaign which invites supporters to turn up the heat this summer.

And Andrew is a real hero to four-year-old Toby –the son he never thought he’d have after being diagnosed with testicular cancer in his first year of university. Andrew, who lives in Otley, said: “It was a huge shock when I was diagnosed with cancer.

“But it is thanks to research and treatment that I’m still here today, and able to enjoy barbecuing with my son.”

The sales and services manager at Nuffield Health Leeds Hospital was diagnosed with testicular cancer in April 1997 when he was just 18.

He was home for Easter from Derby University and had been feeling unusually tired for some time.

He thought something was very wrong when during a football match with his local team he got elbowed in the stomach which left him writhing on the ground in agony.

He was then admitted to Leeds General Infirmary.

After two days of tests he was given the devastating news he had testicular cancer, with only a 50 per cent chance of recovery.

But five months after pioneering treatment developed by Cancer Research UK scientists, Andrew was told by doctors there was no more sign of the cancer.

He said: “After testicular cancer I thought being a dad would just be a dream, so I cherish every moment I get to spend with him.

“And as a family we’re determined to raise as much money as possible for Cancer Research UK so that more people like me can survive.

“I hope that people across the region will come together and show cancer who’s the barbecue boss.”

To sign up visit www.cruk.org/BBQ.

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